TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – 2026
The one-day event featured 10 speakers on topics related to one of the most storied gem-producing regions of the world. Specialists noted in their fields discussed geology, field gemology, geochemical characterization of sapphires, inclusion features in Burmese gems, modern mining and production, market reports, jade nomenclature, history of jadeite, pearls, and the quest for Burma's finest and rarest gems. This year's event and proceedings were dedicated to Professor George R. Rossman. (Print-friendly event program and Table of Contents, Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium)
TWENTIETH SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – SPEAKERS
(Event Program and Articles (Table of Contents), Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium)
Dr. Rachelle Turnier – Geology of Burmese Corundum
Dr. Aaron Palke – Geology of Burmese Non-Corundum Gems, Including Peridot
Wim Vertriest – Field Gemology in Myanmar
Roland Schluessel – Gems of Mogok
Nathan Renfro – Inclusions in Burmese Gems
E. Billie Hughes – Hyperion—Mapping the Hidden Worlds Within Stones
Richard Hughes – Broken Bangle | The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature
Dr. Laichen Sun – Background, Context, and Artifacts: Burmese Jadeite Pieces in China (circa 1580s – 1911)
Dr. Tao Hsu – Treasures from the Coastlines of Myanmar: Burmese Pearls
Stuart Robertson – Market Report: Burmese Gems
William Larson – From Myth to Market: In Search of Burmese Gem Crystals
SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM PUBLICATIONS 2026
Printed proceedings for the 2026 symposium volume and back issues were produced and distributed by DPI Direct, in Poway, California. Ordering for 2026 is now closed.
Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium volume specifications and table of contents
ABOUT THE SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM
Named for one of the most distinguished and influential figures in gemology and mineralogy, the Sinkankas Symposium is a one-day event featuring features 10 speakers on topics related to one of the most storied gem-producing regions of the world. Specialists in their fields will discuss geology, field gemology, geochemical characterization of sapphires, inclusion features in Burmese gems, modern mining and production, market reports, jade nomenclature, history of jadeite, pearls, and the quest for Burma's finest and rarest gems.
George Rossman at Caltech
February 10, 2022. Photo: L. Thoresen.
ThE 2026 symposium was dedicated to Dr. George Rossman, friend, colleague, teacher and mentor to so many who shared his passion for minerals. His presentations on color in gemstones was the highlight of nearly every Sinkankas Symposium dating back more than 20 years. He made the complicated nature of color science accessible and fascinating to enthusiastic, but non-technical audiences. Thanks in great measure to Professor Rossman, the Sinkankas Symposium grew into a thriving perennial event.
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The Sinkankas Symposium has been described as the most important gemological conference in North America by respected authorities on gemstones. Originally oganized by Roger Merk, the event in 2026 was co-sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Geo-Literary Society. GIA's worldwide headquarters at its Carlsbad campus has provided the event's venue since 2003. Bill Larson has been a generous supporter and speaker at the event since its inception. Robert Weldon emceed the Sinkankas Symposium in 2026.
Read a review and brief history of the Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium »
Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium:
Gems & Minerals of Burma (Myanmar)
(April 25, 2026)Stuart Overlin and Lisbet Thoresen, Eds.
Official proceedings of the Twentieth Sinkankas Symposium, with contributions from recognized authorities in their respective disciplines: Dr. Rachelle Turnier, Dr. Aaron Palke, Wim Vertriest, Roland Schluessel, Nathan Renfro, E. Billie Hughes, Richard Hughes, Dr. Tao Hsu, Stuart Robertson, and William Larson. Publisher: Pala International Inc.; Printed and Distributed by DPI Direct, Poway, Calif.
Mogok: The Valley of Precious Stones
(2018)Kennedy Ho, Ed. Contributing Authors: Emmanuel Fritsch, Franck Notari, Candice Caplan and Thomas Hainschwang
A Franco-Swiss team of gemologists guided by gem expert Kennedy Ho explore the Mogok Valley and its gem resources, with support from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences. 192 pages, beautiful color photographs by Jean-Baptiste Rabouan. Publisher: Grenat.
Euro 39.50